Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Audiobook)

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school – until now. He’s about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances? R. J. Palacio has crafted an uplifting novel full of wonderfully realistic family interactions, lively school scenes, and writing that shines with spare emotional power. (from Amazon)

Roni’s Review:

This was a wonderful story by R.J. Palacio that we listened to on our past vacation. The different narrators made it a bit easier to follow the story, as the perspectives for the chapters changes between characters. They all did great jobs. The story itself is gripping, and had all the girls in the car crying at one point (mostly because something similar had happened to us recently, and the author is really good at bringing in that reality into his story). This story also makes you think about those around you – seeing the world from others’ perspectives. The family friendliness is, I think, okay enough for preteens and up, since the scenarios that play out in the story are really things that kids of this age commonly run into. I would actually also recommend this book for middle schoolers, who are often the recipients of bullying. Excellent job!!